Barefoot monitors are known for their innovative design, clean sonics, and exceptionally high price tags. The Footprint line of powered nearfields offers the same outstanding quality as their larger speakers, for those with smaller rooms.
The Barefoot Footprint 01
The Footprint 01 is a three-way active nearfield monitor. It includes a pair of 8″ side-mounted sub woofers — a design feature found in their bigger speakers — a 4″ midrange woofer, and a 1″ tweeter. The Footprint 01’s overall frequency response runs from 36 Hz to 45 kHz with crossovers at 250 Hz and 3600 Hz, and puts out a total of 650 watts of power. In a nutshell, it aims to provide plenty of clarity and ample low-end extension for every phase of the music production process.
A unique feature of Barefoot monitors is the Multi-Emphasis Monitor Emulation (MEME) technology. This allows you to plug in a remote and scroll through four popular monitoring styles: Old School (NS10Ms), Flat (Barefoot), Hi-Fi (hi-fi systems), and Cube (MixCubes). Onboard DSP processing handles the emulation and voicing characteristics. The idea is to reduce studio clutter and eliminate complex monitoring systems by doing more with a single pair of speakers.
The Barefoot Footprint 01 monitors go for $4495 a pair.
The Barefoot Footprint 02
Nearly identical in features and design, the Footprint 02s are a marginally smaller and more affordable version of the 01s. These shrink the sub woofer size from 8″ to 6.5″, while keeping the same 4″ midrange woofer and 1″ tweeter. The frequency response ranges from 42 Hz to 45 kHz with crossovers at 180 Hz and 3600 Hz. The smaller Footprints also come with the same MEME technology as the larger model.
The Barefoot Footprint 02 monitors go fo $3495 a pair.
Barefoot Monitors: Footprint 01 vs Footprint 02
Both the Footprint 01s and 02s are excellent monitors if you can shell out the cash. The 02s are likely the more practical choice for smaller rooms, while the 01s would be at home in medium to larger spaces.
For anyone listening, it probably wouldn’t take them long to understand that these are exceptional studio monitors. The high end is detailed, the midrange is clear and focused, and the lows are powerful.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t come without a price. It would take some consideration before throwing down on either of these. You’d also be wise to check out the competition, and be honest about your specific monitoring needs. Barefoot monitors are great, no doubt; they can grow with you as your studio expands. However, they just might be overkill for the average home studio enthusiast.
Take a look at the link below for more affordable monitoring options for the home studio.